Dividing Rational Expressions
After studying this lesson, you will be able to:
- Divide rational expressions.
Dividing fractions is done by leaving the first fraction as it
is and then multiplying by the reciprocal of the fraction
following the division sign.
Multiply by the reciprocal is all you have to do.
Example 1
|
Since we are dividing fractions, we
multiply by the reciprocal |
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Now, we follow the rule for multiplication |
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Nothing factors or cancels, so we just
multiply |
Example 2
|
Since we are dividing fractions, we
multiply by the reciprocal |
|
Now, we follow the rule for multiplication |
|
Nothing factors or cancels, so we just
multiply |
Example 3
Example 4
|
Since we are dividing fractions, we
multiply by the reciprocal |
|
Now, we follow the rule for multiplication |
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Factor and then cancel |
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Don't leave the numerator empty - put a one to hold
the place. |
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